Bi-Partisan Libations

Over the last 10 years, DC has transformed itself from a one trick pony to an area with a vibrant technology sector.

Still, DC is a government town. Partisanship is in the water and, in many cases, in the beer. I can remember friends who were not political dreading a trip to a local bar for fear of being enveloped into one of the inevitable political conversations or games of "Who do you work for?"

Despite all that, you can still enjoy a cocktail in the city without being ensnared in a political conversation. Here are the best of the best, with a focus on places of interest close to the wedding/hotel.

Starfocker

It's only a matter of time before I am told to take down that heading, but these are the places where you'll go rub shoulders with the politically rich and famous.

Off the Record: Located on Layfette SQ and across the street from the White House, this is the bar where Alison and I toasted our engagements before sharing it with her entire family. The is nice and cozy, with big high-backed chairs in the basement of the Hay-Adams Hotel. Not cheap, but a worth the price.

Hotel Washington: Long a favorite for a romantic cocktail, the rooftop bar at the hotel offers views of the White House and the National Mall. You cannot beat the rooftop here.

Capital Grille: Located down the street from the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue, you can read the private wine cases of superlobbyists and congressman. Don't forget to order the Stoli Doli. Drink 2 and you should call a cab.

Don't forget your black (including dark black, regular black, and german black)

You'll need to leave your light colored outfits at home for a drink in these establishments.

18th Street Lounge: This is home to the gentlemen who bring you the Thievery Corporation, it's a dance spot + lounge that will test your hipness. Clearly I ain't hip since I never stepped a foot in the joint in over 4 years.

Heaven and Hell: Ha, ha--gotcha, Caleb! Don't even think of going here unless you're 21 and love red bull and vodka. Oh, and you're wearing a striped shirt. (No url supplied to prevent you from going).

Reef: I am sure some will argue with this choice, but I love this bar--great rooftop, fun interior with exotic fish tanks, and good, solid beer choices.

Rub shoulders with Blelvis

These are the places where you'll rub shoulders with DC's Everyman and you might even get to talk to the best Elvis impersonator ever.

The Raven: This place went from totally dive, to totally hip, and back to totally dive again (10 pts for the movie quote here--i don't say totally that often). I think Alison and I had one of our first or second "dates" at this place. No beer on tap, strong drinks, and, if you're not careful, an all-night party.

Brickskeller: Home to DC's biggest beer selection, this subterranean mecca of all things malt, barley, and hops is about 1/2 block from the Palomar. I'll be there.

Dan's Cafe: Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Cultural Detours

For those of us saddled with the distinction of either having lived in DC for a prolonged period or having grown up in DC area, we know it is home to great exhibits of culture, which are unfortunately sometimes shadowed by its neighbors to the north (I am not talking about Baltimore).

Many of you will be spending extra time in DC after traveling from long distances for the wedding. Aside from the normal tours of Congress and the White House, there are some great exhibits and cultural activities going on during our wedding.

For art, the National Gallery of Art is hosting an Edward Hopper exhibit, one of the first outside of New York. Like many of the musuems in DC, the Gallery is free. The world-renown Corcoran Gallery of Art is hosting a double bill that could give you great bang for your buck. Annie Liebovitz and Ansel Adams are the featured artists and should be very cool.

For music, there is Dr. John, Gov't Mule, and for the classically minded, the National Symphony.

For food, well, you'll have to wait for the wedding, but if you do have Friday afternoon open, go here. It might appear to be just a Kosher restaurant, but this place has the best schwarma in the history of the planet. Yeah, it's not close to anything, but it's just insanely good. Please go because I cannot. Likewise, if you want something closer, a bit more romantic, and don't mind waiting, Pasta Mia is your deal. This place is so good it has been known to make people cry (out of both anger and joy) and made the completely unartistic paint in its honor. "Fireworks in your mouth" is an abt description.

Next up...watering holes.

Honorary Wedding Party Members

Ring Bearer – Luke Robert Sanne
As of November 7, 2006, we became known as Double A (aka Aunt Alison) and UIT (aka Uncle in Training) to Alison’s sister, Heather, and brother-in-law, Matt’s son, Luke Robert Sanne. We are a little bias but he is the cutest, happiest, and funniest baby! At only 10 months he has yet to learn how to walk but he has got a mean stand going. We wish that he was able to celebrate the big day with us but understandably Heather and Matt want to have some fun!

Flower Girl – Ditka Cummings
In January, we adopted a 10 week year old girl puppy who we affectionately named Ditka. GO BEARS! Since that time, our Ditka has grown to be 10 months and we have both fallen head over heels in love with “parenting” and of course “our first baby.” [We are very self aware that we are a little overboard about the dog]. We wish that she was able to be with us on the wedding day but we need a break!

Tap your toe in the nation's Capitol

We know toe tapping is all the rage these days among members of the Senate , but I would recommend you watch your toes if you take a tour of the US Capitol while in DC for the wedding.

If you are interested in a tour of the United States Capitol Building, Alison and I would be happy to arrange one through our former places of employment, me through Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and Alison through Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas. Just post a comment here and give us your e-mail and times available. In general, we can arrange for a tour on Friday, Oct 12, starting at around 2pm.

P.S...Thursday is Alison's 30th birthday. Yep, I said it. So don't forget to wish her a Happy 30th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To wear or not to wear?

Well, I trust each of you will wear clothing to our wedding, but I have received a number of questions about attire. As some of you are aware, Washington DC is a very formal city. Not formal in the classic sense, but where jeans might be appropriate in your town, slacks are usually the order of the day in DC.

This does not mean you need to wear pants to musuems (DC is not the Vatican), but it does mean some restaurants and bars might frown upon shorts, sandals, etc. Best to call before you haul.

That's it. It's raining in Seattle. God I love rain. Really, I love it.